Book Description

Your complete guide to building your information technology career in any economy

 

The IT Career Builder’s Toolkit  features market-focused skills and proven methods you can use to jump-start and advance your career. While other books cover just the mechanics of preparing your résumé, writing a cover letter, and interviewing, this book provides all that plus additional insight from IT career development expert, Matt Moran, to help you plan and create a rewarding IT career over the long term.

 

The toolkit approach allows you to use this book to suit your unique needs:

• Are you new to the IT field? Benefit by reading the book cover to cover.
• Just need to fine-tune your IT career? Choose a topic and dive in.

Understand and prepare for the various and changing factors that affect your career in both positive and negative ways. Learn how to

• Present the value of your technical skills in the job market
• Position yourself as the primary commodity of your career
• Remove the guesswork out of job searches
• Highlight on-the-job skills and gain meaningful professional exposure 

The companion CD-ROM includes career management tools such as résumé and cover letter templates, forms to track important contacts, and self-assessment tools. Start or further your consulting career with sample proposals, opportunity tracking forms, and a time-tracking and billing database. Financial tools, including budget and cash-flow summary worksheets, help you gain financial well-being. Use the Value-Added Technologist presentation to gain a clear understanding of the career-building process and how to use the toolkit to build a dynamic career.

 

Most of all, have fun! Every year, people advance along the path to career stardom. Let Matt help you to be one of them through his career philosophy “Do not accept mediocrity as a career objective–demand more of yourself.”

 

“I want you to see the [toolkit] techniques as one more set of skills to adopt in your overall career development program. They are skills, just like your technical skills, that you will use daily during your career. Just as you adopt new technical skills, use the toolkit to define those soft skills that you must learn and put to use. The result will be a more well-rounded and complete professional skill-set.”

~ Matthew Moran, from the Introduction

 

Companion CD-ROM

The CD-ROM contains valuable tools, forms, spreadsheets, and documents that work with the Toolkit to help you master key areas of your career development.

 

 

Reviews (9)

Nothing new....
First things first: I am happy with my job, and not looking for another... But I read the book thoroughly, and I kind of liked it. But it's not the first book in this field I read, and I hardly did find anything new.
If someone asked for my advice, I'd say: look in your local library, and read it.
But don't spend your precious money on buying it.

A 'must' for any serious IT pro
Matthew Moran's The IT Career Builder's Toolkit could also have been reviewed in our 'business' section for job-seekers, but is featured here because so many IT employees are seeking work, and so many college students aspire to enter the field. This is career prep with no holds barred: Matthew Moran profiles solid, market-based skills and proven methods to advance an IT career or reach a goal. Newcomers in particular receive explicit advice on how to present technical skills value in a tough job market, how to become an essential commodity in an overwhelmed market, and how to gain meaningful professional contacts. A 'must' for any serious IT pro.

Toolkit for Building Many Other Careers as Well
The IT Career Builder's Toolkit by Matthew Moran (Cisco Press, 2005) is actually a useful toolkit for building a career in many other fields as well. The author has taken the trouble to uncover a great many universal truths about the relationship between employee and employer, the bottom-line mentality of human resource management in business, and the effects of the current economy on new entrants to the job market. It was really unusual to see a business book that didn't seem to just echo the platitudes of every other business book on the market, but which instead, by reflecting on the state of affairs in one particular vocation, and focusing on the specific problem of starting out as an entry level candidate, repeatedly illustrated techniques that people can apply in any stage of their career, and in may different professions.

This is because so many of the players in everyone's career are aptly introduced, with numerous tips on how to deal with the ones who may have forgotten to take their medication this morning, or who may have more of an influence on your future than you think. The numerous personas of interviewers, bosses, coworkers, and the people you are ultimately helping-your users-are drawn up so that you can recognize them when you see them, and handle a variety of situations as a professional. For instance, even if a scrap of criticism is too harsh, is there a grain of truth in it? And if you are concerned about a pending performance review or how your supervisor views your progress, you may want to assign a self-evaluation and report the results to your supervisor. The author gives a vivid account of how well that worked for him.

But of course the focus is on helping the young entrant to the IT job market. To this end, he presents the concept of a toolkit, or a complete set of tips and tactics that can be applied at many different stages of a career: the point is to choose the right tool for the situation. The other analogy is that the book is for career building, not just putting together a succession of jobs. The would-be IT professional is encouraged to consider exactly what skills should be honed, what relationships should be developed, what approach should be taken to building a satisfying work life. It is very tempting to plow ahead and get the next hot certification, or to hop to the next job that pays a few bucks more or touches on the trendiest technology. It is useful to be reminded that-even in the post-bubble chill with salaries down from their happy heights and jobs for which you have to compete rather than step into-you can build a more satisfying career by deliberately designing and planning it instead of just adding jobs to the pile.

Still, the author realizes that there are not a lot of choices at first, and so a lot of care is put into describing how to make the most of any job. It compares and contrasts a number of possible situations the new employee might wind up in-enterprise versus SMB, IT department versus a branch of the business-and describes how someone might make themselves invaluable in any of these environments. There is a pragmatic and reassuring sense that by building the foundation of your career, you can then construct the house you want to live in.

There are many other basics covered in the areas of cover letters, resumes, networking, interviewing skills, searching for jobs, seeking promotions-the nuts and bolts of making your way into the market. And among the different options covered are the pursuits of salaried positions as opposed to consulting, and choosing the attributes for which job to take if you get multiple offers (it's not always about the money). The section of negotiating skills, and defining what constitutes an effective negotiation, is an eye opener for anyone who doesn't have those natural poker-playing skills.

The CD has a lot career management tools such as resumes, self-assessment forms, contact tracking forms, and others. There are also sections on consulting tools and financial management tools. There were some broken links but I'm not sure if this had to do with my browser (I was using Mozilla). In any case, you can browse the contents under Windows explorer without needing to use the menus.

For a very carefully written effort to help aspiring applications to the IT market, I'd give this one five stars.

A manutal for your IT Career
Today, I have finished The IT Career Builder's Toolkit, and I an honestly say that I have added it to my recommended reading material.I feel it is a must read for those starting out in life, and to those who have found their lifelong career path.For those starting out, The IT Career Builder's Toolkit serves as a manual for career building.Matt sets expectations for those new to the field, and he helps that on a path to success.For those who are in the field, Matt reminds the seasoned IT Pro to reflect were they current are in their profession, and he urges them to rise to the top of their field.Throughout the book, Matt provides tools, guidance, and experience that can be added to your own career toolkit. I could hear him asking me, "Are you planning on being an average professional?"The IT Career Builder's Toolkit is a must read for anyone in the professional workplace.

Soft Technology
Like a runner benefits from an hour in the weight room after 40 miles on the track,so the IT technician will do well to spend some time reading the IT Career Builder's Toolkit by Matthew Moran. You do not have to be technical at all to read this book.It is full of good common sense advice from an information technology perspective.It is the first Cisco Press book that has caught the eye of my non-technical friends.
Moran emphasizes the development of the soft skills that are so necessary to really succeed in any career.He explains that we must become agnostic about which technology or process we use and more cognizant of the big picture of how technology can accomplish business needs and profitability.Concerning this focus he asks the reader, "Are you a pure technologist or a systems analyst?"
There are 3 helpful sections on the CD.Career Management Tools has examples such as resumes, cover letters, opportunity tracker, self assessment form, and status reports.Consulting Tools has tips on sales presentations, case studies, and solution selling.Financial Tools, includes budget and cash flow planning and sample spreadsheets.
The book is divided into short easy to read chapters.I particularly enjoyed Moran's writing style which consists of well organized paragraphs consisting of tight punchy sentences.The book is the result of the author's years of experience of applying solutions for his employers and customers through managing his own and others IT skills.Before you read one more technical manual, I recommend you read the IT Career Builder's Toolkit!
... Read more

Reviews (10)

Choosing or Changing a Career In Business? Buy This Book.
"Discovering Your Career In Business" will open your eyes to the aspects of your personality that directly influence your success and happiness in business. The authors, a pair of Harvard PHDs, take it one step further and help match you with a career that fits the true you.

The user-friendly Business Career Interest Inventory (BCII) software tool that comes along with this book is indispensable. The BCII, through a series of seemingly simple questions, provides incredibly meaningful insight into one's true business interests. The BCII results are easily interpreted and translated into a career profile (i.e., what you should be doing in the business field).

In short, this book provides invaluable tools and guidance to help determine which aspect of business, if any, is truly right for you.

A fabulous book
Perhaps the person who gave this book one star is not really among the intended audience. The insights are based on a high-achieving and high-profile group: business executives and students that the authors have encountered at Harvard Business School. This sample is not your typical slice of the population, which is what makes their analysis so good. They have analyzed this very high-achieving and intelligent group to find out what motivates them and what interests them. If you find yourself at a crossroads in your career, questioning how you got where you are or why you do what you do, the tools for self-analysis provided here may be very useful.

While there was some redundancy, I have found this to be typical of books of this type in which not all sections are applicable to every reader. It is also not really appropriate to read it through beginning to end in the manner of a novel; if you do, you'll be reading a lot of variations of the same themes. Focus on the parts that are relevent based on the included profiling tool and your own self understanding. It was helpful to me in recognizing career paths I may not have considered, and also in affirming strategies for success that I had formulated on my own but not tested. If you want to avoid simply falling into a career that may or may not be what you want, this book can help you better consider what will make you happy and what your real goals are, without too simplistic an approach.

More Relevant than "Color...Parachute"
I read this books three years ago, and it still is the basis for how I approach not only my career but every single project I get on as a consultant. This books focuses on self-diagnosis of one's skills as it relates to the business world (whether you are above/below average in the quants area, creative area, etc.) and essentially reveals what your core strengths are vis-a-vis the universe of other business-people (over 5,000 or so high achieving MBAs and executives). I have since focused on taking on work that capitalizes on these core strengths and the results have been amazing. It's like reviewing a diet program three years after you experienced it -- if I still think it is great, there must be a reason. Buy the book. It may be the only one you need.

Don't bother
This book was a waste of time. The authors were too wordy. They spent a lot of time boosting their egos - telling you the things they had done, even though it didn't help the reader at all. Throughout the book they recapped too much. Each chapter wasted 2 to 5 pages describing what was coming in the chapter. Points and paragraphs were continually restated and repeated. The book could have been 1/4 of the size. There were way too many case studies, and very few were of any help. This book was a waste of money and a waste of time.

EUREKA!!, FINALLY THE DIRECTION I NEEDED
I have read several books pertaining to career development. This book is the most effective tool i have found in determining my carreer path. Bravo!! ... Read more

Book Description

The Quick Guide to the 16 Personality Types in Organizations is written by leading experts in the theory of personality type and its applications. This booklet helps you develop your personal effectiveness within the workplace by providing two full pages of information about each of the sixteen personality types under the topics of Problem Solving, Leadership, Creativity, Teams, Stress, Learning, Career Mastery, and Personal Development. Also included is an appendix that will help you understand the eight MTR-i team roles.

The first page of each description includes information on understanding the specific personality type to help you shift perspectives to improve your relationships with others.The second page includes information on being that personality type to help you further your understanding of yourself. This format makes this booklet essential for employees in any organization who want to understand themselves better and work with others more effectively. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Desk Reference
This is a perfect book for someone to keep as a desk reference for the personality types. I found the information very valuable even though I own most other books on this subject. It is an outstanding reference for the types in an organizational setting.

Comprehensive and Concise---Perfect for Organizations
I found this booklet to be of extreme value compared to similar products. I used to buy a whole text to give to my clients before this came along. It contains some of the best material I have seen on the Myers-Briggs types. The fact that it has so many great contributors is a value-add. I would recommend this booklet to anyone using Myers-Briggs types in a professional setting. The booklet covers multiple topics including leadership, career development, creativity, stress, problem-solving, personal development, and learning. At first I was overwhelmed with the page count for the types, but after reading the content I was pleasantly excited and couldn't wait to show them to my customers. The book also includes some interesting new information about a new model---MTR-i---which is a team role model based on Jungian type. A very good value for the low price. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in its Sixth Edition, this OB reader continues to both instruct and entertain the current generation of students and professionals about workplace realities.

Going beyond the usual technical/rational analysis of books on organizational behavior, each chapter is a fictionalized account of actual workplace happenings, and involves a continuing cast of characters whom readers come to know. Each account makes a point of its own, or illustrates theoretical material covered in the introductions to parts and sections.

For instance, why would a plant manager call a continuing series of 6:30am meetings about coordination of efforts, and then cancel them after a short while? (He effectively used negative reinforcement to reward the coordination that resulted from imposing the inconvenient meetings – aside from whatever the participants may have discussed.)

The "realness" of this text continues to draw a kind of fan mail from both students and others. As one Vice President of Sales for a nationally known corporation put it: "After 18 years in business life I only wish I had read it much earlier. Your book should be required reading for anyone embarking into any kind of organizational life . . ." ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent view of corporate culture
Ritti writes an excellent view of corporate culture explaining the "why" decisions are made and "why" people act as they do in corporate America. It really helps to put the discipline of change management into perspective. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in organizational behavior (American companies only). My only criticism is that there is no short and simple explanation for each of the behaviors. The reader is forced to read the entire chapter and all of the short stories in order to get an idea as to what behavior is being described.

Excellent view of coporate culture
Ritti writes an excellent view of corporate culture explaining the "why" decisions are made and "why" people act as they do in corporate America. It really helps to put the discipline of change management into perspective. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in organizational behavior (American companies only). My only criticism is that there is no short and simple explanation for each of the behaviors. The reader is forced to read the entire chapter and all of the short stories in order to get an idea as to what behavior is being described.

Adventures in the Company
This book is often touted as a great book for students, or for new workers just beginning their career. While I agree with that prescription, I think as well that this could be an important book for everyone, no matter what their age is or where they are placed in the corporate environment. Particularly in these difficult economic times, it's never a bad idea to remind yourself how organizations work, or how others may perceive you without your awareness. Updated with new stories for the 5th edition. Very useful bibliography of further reading.

Organizational Revelation
"Ropes" is the only book that I read as part of my MBA course work from which I actually learned something useful. I apply its lessons at work everday. It reveals how organizations truly work. The various scenes played out in the book have been duplicated in my own career experience many times over. It is incredible. It was as if the author had studied the firm that I worked for and then wrote this book. I consider this book crucial in helping me in my career. Not only in advancement but in alleviating the frustration of not understanding why things happen the way they do in organizations. For example, "Ropes" helps answer the question, why does the idiot get put in charge of a project and not the person who is the most capable. It is also an excellent reference. I often turn back to it to see how a situation that I am experiencing now played out in the book. Not only is it instructive but it is also extremely entertaining. I could not put this book down and finished reading it in a day and a half. Since then I have read it several more times. This is the only edition that I have read, but since the different editions are significantly changed, I am sure that the earlier editions are just as worthwhile. I would highly recomend "ropes" to anyone who works in any type of organization and wants to understand what is going on in that organization.

You'll like it
It's a great management book with lots of tips. But way too centred on the American point of view. Here in Europe, there are things that just shouldn't be done the way Ritti puts them. ... Read more

Book Description

If you are adventurous in your travel or are interested in knowing more than what is found in travel brochures, this book makes for interesting reading.It gives a basic geographic overview of the world and each major geographic region, providing insights about the geographic character of specific regions to show how it establishes a setting for tourism.All regions or countries have a brief overview of the cultural, physical, and tourism characteristics of the region or country.The cultural characteristics are in the form of cultural capsules pertaining to the people and some tips as to personal actions that are acceptable and others to be avoided. Following the analysis of the geographic character the text discusses the tourist attractions in each of the regions, focusing on the geographic features that are important for creating a desire to visit that region.The authors highlight the most significant attractions, which combine with the geographic facts of the region to form the uniqueness of the area for visitors.In some cases there are differences of opinions concerning which are the major attractions, but those presented in the text provide an overview of the character of each specific tourist destination region.Tourists themselves also create geography.An area with few tourists is different in character from an area with large numbers of visitors.The origin of tourists also affects the environment; as for example visitors from Great Britain create a different environment than those from France because of their differing expectations and resultant services. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bed and Breakfast (with Cat's Hairs in the Fried Egg)
I recently spent New Year's Eve on top of a gale- and rain-swept volcano in the southern Philippines. Compared to that wet, muddy night, this text comes in a distant second. It never ceases to amaze me that almost any truly fascinating subject, when moulded into a textbook, can be made to appear overwhelming tedious. Many geographers (including the present reviewer way back in 1969) have tried to get their heads round what appears to be the obvious relevance of their discipline to the world's biggest industry - tourism; all have failed - at least to make what they have to say about the connection interesting. This, I regret to say, doesn't make a much better job of the task than its predecessors. I suspect that the reason is that geographers, on the whole, have not taken on board the concept of 'relative geography' - a geography in which distance is measured not in kilometres and miles but in dollars. Once that is accepted then it becomes evident that distances vary depending on the disposable income available to one and the map of the world becomes radically transformed generating quite new insights into how humans use space. To be fair to the authors, this book is probably the best available so far - it is far ranging in its coverage; has a good writing style; is well illustrated; and is as up-to-date as any non-electronic publication can be (though that's not saying a great deal). But exactly who will buy it? Tourism students really don't need to - tourism is not at all about geography but marketing and human/personnel skills. And the general reader isn't going to find too much inspiration here - unless they are stuck on top of a galeswept mountain in Mindanao ... Read more

Book Description

A happy transition from work to retirement requires careful thought and planning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Some good common sense ideas
I have read the 1993 3rd edition several times. This is more than a financial planning book. It provides information on time management, wellness, and human support systems in planning for personal fulfillment in retirement. ... Read more

Book Description

If you are involved or planning to be involved in the Travel and Hospitality industry as a manager or legal professional, you will find this book to be a valuable tool.Inside are discussions of the legal issues confronted by managers in the hotel, restaurant, travel and casino industries.The emphasis is on prevention of legal violations.By reading the book, managers can appreciate and identify what actions and precautions are necessary to avoid, or at least minimize the number of lawsuits.The book uses the case method, long recognized as a helpful approach to learning and debunking the often-complicated discipline of law.Readers will study decisions from actual cases in which hospitality establishments were sued and what decisions were made, as well as what legal precedents were cited.The 6th edition has been completely updated with the latest decisions as well as classic cases that remain persuasive today. The ?Preventive Tips for Managers? feature at the end of each chapter reviews the key points and concepts addressed.A chapter on Casino Law, a developing branch of the Hospitality field is also featured in the new edition.This specialty area has numerous unique legal applications, particularly in light of the discussions in many communities toward expanding the availability of this type of entertainment. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pass state licensing exams and to provide professional nail technology services, this newly revised resource will enable you to educate and graduate the most well prepared nail technicians the industry has ever had!It's the only nail resource that provides education current with today's ever changing workplace. This book includes all of the information required to become a licensed nail technician. Advanced topics are also included to make the text more complete and contemporary, and to give the student exposure to those skills that will make him/her particular marketable.The full-color art program includes photographs as well as line drawings of procedures, anatomy and physiology, nail diseases and disorders, the practitioner and the salon.Information has been compiled with the help and guidance of leading educators and nail professionals. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Written in Japanese
A friend of mine is a nail technician and running her own business. She was telling me today that she had been trying to find some samples of the book in japanese but it seems impossible. Could you please let me know if they come written in Japanese by any chance. She is one of my best friends and I would like to surprise her with the news that she can find the Art & Science of Nail Technology written in Japanese.
Thanks
Doina

the best nail book out there
this book can teach you like you are the only one it is wrote to it is like he knew how to write it so you would understand it I would definately recommend it to anyone that does nails or takes nail technology classes it is so easy to understand

Everything you need to know
This book contains everything that you will need to become an ace nail tech. I highly recomend that you also purchase the companion workbook.

Listed in other languages
I am looking to find out if the book "Milady's Art & Science of Nail Technology" is printed in other languages. My cousin Bobie is the director of a local Beauty College here in Maryland and they have quite a few Vietnamese, Spanish and French students. Please respond. Thanks so much.

Excellent, well written and for only me! (the nail tech)
This book was excellent! It was written as if the author was writing directly to me. There is a lot out there directed to the nails industry. Some, if not most of it, is garbage. Produced by those wanting to cash in on a good thing. However, this book is great. It really covers, without going into volumns, more accurate and useful information than I have seen in one place. I am truly amazed!! ... Read more

Book Description

Monster founder Jeff Taylor, with former editor-in-chief Doug Hardy, has writtenanupbeat, inspirational, and indispensable guide to getting the job you want inthe newworld of work. Rich with real-world advice from recruiters, career counselors,humanresource professionals, and successful Monster members who share their job- huntingexpertise, Monster Careers provides a step-by-step plan for carrying outa super- charged job search—from exploring new career options to writing job-winningresumesand cover letters, to mastering the interview and negotiating a job offer. Apractical andpassionate guide for any stage of your career, whether you’re a seasonedprofessional or arecent graduate, Monster Careers is poised to become the uncontested jobsearchauthority. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It worked
This book helped me a lot and after reading this book I found this website but I haven't ordered anything. Has anyone else used this website?

Describes the new hiring landscape
As a founder of one of the largest networking groups in New England, I have been exposed to many different types of job-hunting strategies. The information in "Monster Careers" accurately reflects the new hiring landscape. The authors give the reader both the high-level and "behind the scenes" perspectives for these changing times. From describing what motivates hiring managers to negotiating compensation "Monster Careers" provides the tools needed to manage a career through different business climates. This is an invaluable resource at any career stage.

Monster Careers by Taylor and Hardy
This book illustrates how to land a top job with advanced preparation. The authors emphasize the importance of training and
high skill attainment. There are benefits in free agency and entrepreneurship. It is critical to define yourself accurately and to maintain a network grid whether or not you have a job.
Everyone you know can be critical in helping you to secure a top position. Top candidates in new positions display more enthusiasm over experience. The book is valuable in helping to craft a successful career plan. This work would be helpful for a person who works for a company, as well as a private entrepreneur. The book is a solid value because it provides good advice and quality research on strategies that work.

Worked for me
Last winter I was laid off from a very good job. A few weeks later a friend in the publishing business sent me an advance copy of Monster Careers, which I used in conjunction with some private career counseling. Taylor's book was at least as good as the expensive counseling - it's really well organized, easy to use, and smart. He gets you to think outside the box with some great examples and exercises.

That said, you definitely need to do the work - I put in about 5 hours/day with the book, my research, etc., but it paid off. I found a similar job to the one I had - but in an entirely different industry. I never would have looked for it without this book.

Monster is a good place to start
Without a doubt the Monster web site is the number one site for job posting. As matter of fact there are so many posting it can be confusing. This book does a good job of explaining how to use the Monster site.

This is a wonderful book, and I would recommend it. In addition, to this book I recommend reading, "How to find your dream and make it a reality: solutions for a rewarding and meaningful career." This book about the process of discovering who you are, what you can do and what you'll enjoy doing. This book is about showing you how to add value by developing solutions.

It works well with the Monster book and many other books. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Responsibility. Courage. Compassion. Honesty. Friendship. Persistence. Faith. Everyone recognizes these traits as essentials of good character. In order for our children to develop such traits, we have to offer them examples of good and bad, right and wrong. And the best places to find them are in great works of literature and exemplary stories from history.

William J. Bennett has collected hundreds of stories in The Book of Virtues, an instructive and inspiring anthology that will help children understand and develop character -- and help adults teach them. From the Bible to American history, from Greek mythology to English poetry, from fairy tales to modern fiction, these stories are a rich mine of moral literacy, a reliable moral reference point that will help anchor our children and ourselves in our culture, our history, and our traditions -- the sources of the ideals by which we wish to live our lives. Complete with instructive introductions and notes, The Book of Virtues is a book the whole family can read and enjoy -- and learn from -- together. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Truth shines in the eyes of its readers.
This book's title has become proverbial, and I am glad for that recognition. You just need to look at the world around you to see the necessity of books like this. We have become moral imbeciles. Some people can't tell the difference between their right had and left hand, speaking poetically.

Many people criticize this book as being too simplistic. That is an odd criticism. Not that this book is wrong, or factually in error. Even the accusation of impracticality would be a substantive point. But being too simplistic? Shakespeare wisely observed that simple truth is oftentimes miscalled simplicity (Sonnet 66). The accusation of being simplistic doesn't even rise to the dignity of a non-issue.

This book is a collection of moral stories and precepts that serve to supplement and buttress peoples moral sense, which is our conscience, or the spark within that tells us to do good. In the Apology, Socrates said that he had this spirit, which guided him. We all have something like this, and truthful books like this help refine this sense of right and wrong. Just look at the fallen towers to see the need for books like this.

Another accusation is that we can't turn back the clock. Well, if the clock is broken, then you are morally obligated to turn back the clock. By the way, are you giving you consent to the current state of things? It seems that we have made complaining a virtue. But it is complaining without corresponding action, which results mere noise pollution.

We have to do something to change things, and Bill Bennett has done his part in compiling this book, which is an easy read. This is a thick book, but each one of the chapters is small. It seems to have been geared towards first and second graders, but anyone can benefit from reading the truth. Truth shines in the eyes of the readers.

Belongs in every citizens library
I bought my first copy of this book when it first came out in 1993. It has become one of my favorites. It's one of those books you take down off the shelf now and then just to make you feel good. Over the years, I must have given a dozen copies of this fine collection as graduation gifts.

Bennett, the former Secretary of Education, has put together a collection of timeless classics. Each chapter covers a different virtue that makes for good citizenship. Parents will read these stories to their children with delight at the lessons learned, yet it still appeals to older students and adults.

This is like an instruction manual for life. This book should be in every home library.

A hearty recommendation!
It is this very elixer of truth that all of us must drink. Would it only be possible for all of America to see the truth contained in this brilliant and optimistic book, we would truly shine only brighter. For too long has America's counterculture dragged us down to lower standards, our youth despoiled and undiciplined. Mr. Bennett has performed a national service by this book, and one we should all repay by immediately committing to heart its contents and message. Let us all be more virtuous, day by day, slowly, slowly.

The Book of Humanity
This broad-minded and big-hearted collection of stories for children and everybody else offers a simple antidote to modern life. We are inundated with passive entertainment and leisure - television, computers, popular music. Listening to and reading good stories, on the other hand, engages the mind and helps the child look outside of themselves and start to think about the complexities of life. Rather than preaching to us about his personal moral beliefs, William Bennett presents a cultural norm of basic natural moral instincts (on topics such as courage, honesty and perserverance) based on classic writings from every age and civilization. The authors range from Aristotle to Frederick Douglass to Hans Christian Anderson to Winston Churchill.

An excellent, timeless collection and a lot of bang for your buck.

OK Book
This book was a bit boring. It seemed to skip around a little too much. Bennett is smart, but he is a bit arrogant, which shows through in this book. He could have made the book better by organizing it better.

Some interesting information, but maybe not worth the read. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

my review
this book gave me an idea of state board exams. i'm glad that i had a chance to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Why do we work so hard at our jobs, day after day? Why is a job well done important to us? We know there is more to a career than money and prestige, but what exactly do we mean by "fulfillment"? These are old but important questions. They belong with some newly discovered ones: Why are people in business more religious than the population as a whole? What do people of business know, and what do they do, that anchors their faith? In this ground-breaking and inspiring book, Michael Novak ties together these crucial questions by explaining the meaning of work as a vocation. Work should be more than just a job -- it should be a calling.

This book explains an important part of our lives in a new way, and readers will instantly recognize themselves in its pages. A larger proportion than ever before of the world's Christians, Jews, and other peoples of faith are spending their working lives in business. Business is a profession worthy of a person's highest ideals and aspirations, fraught with moral possibilities both of great good and of great evil. Novak takes on agonizing problems, such as downsizing, the tradeoffs that must sometimes be faced between profits and human rights, and the pitfalls of philanthropy. He also examines the daily questions of how an honest day's work contributes to the good of many people, both close at hand and far away. Our work connects us with one another. It also makes possible the universal advance out of poverty, and it is an essential prerequisite of democracy and the institutions of civil society.

This book is a spiritual feast, for everyone who wants to examine how to make a life through making a living. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Student of Life
The view going in is very different than the view coming out. Novak's idealism helped to encourage me in my own. I read this book as an undergraduate business student struggling to find the balance that I saw in between greed and good. I so enjoyed his language, examples, and message that I recommended it to my Business Ethics professor. Last I heard, he was planning on using it as one of the textbooks. I gave it a 4 star rating because although it was a good read, it could always be better. Let's leave some room for improvement.

stimulating book yet many issues to be discussed further
After finishing this book, i got the impression that the author has touched something about the philosophical grounding on capitalism, however, the book is not deep enough in analysing these grounds. 1 the moral basw which the author inspected is of the christian ( or rather ) catholic culture, the reasons of the christian culture is the most suitable one to suit with the capitalism are not yet fully explained 2 its hidden presumption on pratising ideal capitalism is having a good government, good smaall societies to support the neighbours or citizens, good law system etc, but if i live in a place full of corruption, business law system not well developed, what should i do? he does not suggest any means 3 the model which he inspected is the usa, he also studied catholic, i would rather say, it is like, when someone got a hammer, all things can be solved by using it 4 i cannot agree more than that, doing business must have moral and courage if you have interest in discussing with me in this book or others, pls email me

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
This book was reccomended by a friend and I was fascinated by the title. The book is a quick read with many references to socio-economic theory and the Catholic way. The book was written by Mr. Novak, a distinguished author who grasps both the economic and theological apsects of modern day business activities. He does a good job of portraying work as a means to help the common good of all society.The idea that being productive as a person in business can benefit others in unseen ways is worthy. Even business can work in its' self interest while helping advance society. Business as a calling tied together many aspects of faith, work and finding meaning in a career. This book should be on the must read list of every young MBA or CEO.

Business is a morally serious calling and Novak proves it.
Novak uses antidotial evidence to show how business can be and often is a virtous enterprise. However his feelings about free market capitalism and the business community are somewhat navie and idealistic. Antidotes are used to support the fact (often forgetten by social critics) that business leaders contribute a great deal to society. I believe this is a good book to read if you are taking a college course in Economic philosophy or business administration. ... Read more

Book Description

In order to become a licensed real estate salesperson in most states, candidates must pass a real estate sales exam. There are several different exams that assess the knowledge and application of national real estate laws and practices. This book is appropriate for use in all 50 states. Designed to help all candidates who need to prepare for this important exam, this study aid includes 4 complete practice exams, a real estate refresher course, a real estate math review, a real estate glossary, as well as a free CD-ROM. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by a lawyer for lawyers, Deborah Arron's book is a virtual encyclopedia for lawyers in transition, covering such topics as how to conduct a self-assessment and transferrable skills analysis, how to detect and prepare for layoff, how to establish a transitional financial plan, how to market your special talents, how to work with career consultants and headhunters, how to decide whether to stay in law or leave, how to avoid job-interview hell, how to handle compensation negotiations that work in your favor. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

An information-packed tome written for only for lawyers.
Deborah Arron covers career assessement, career change, issues and concerns unique to lawyers. I read her book and didn't feel so alone when I finally admitted to myself I didn't want to practice law after three years of law school and $X in student loans. After thoroughly covering psychological issues specific to attorneys considering transitions to non-traditional careers, Arron provides effective assessments to determine a new direction. The final chapters teach exactly how to obtain that new career, including cover letter and resume tips. Arron's book also helps attorneys who want to continue to practice law, but in a different way. Buying "What Can You Do With A Law Degree" is among the best investments I've made.

Ignore the bad reviews
Some of the people who have given this book negative reviews are obviously not the target audience for the book. This is NOT for law students looking for a job or for certain types of lawyers. This is for lawyers who are dissatisfied in their careers and are looking at career transition.

For the target audience, this book in invaluable. Deborah Arron really understands the issues involved and helps navigate the reader through the problems with letting go of a bad situation, finding ideas for next steps and getting to a solution. There is no other book on the market that addresses these issues in the way this one does.

I can't understand why people who aren't the target audience feel the need to trash the book publicly.

This book was overly simplistic and had little good advice.
I could sum this book up in eight words:
So you didn't like law school? Try teaching.
There I just saved you the time of ordering and reading it. This book was a typical one of those books you see in a public library with really basic common sense ideas and little insight.

WHAT ARE THESE OTHER REVIEWERS TALKING ABOUT?
I cannot believe the criticism of this book. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR LAWYERS WHO ARE HAPPY IN THEIR WORK AND WHO HAVE FOUND THEIR NICHE.

THE THRUST OF THE BOOK IS TO ASSIST LAWYERS WHO HAVE EITHER GROWN DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PRESSURES OF LEGAL PRACTICE OR WHO HAVE DECIDED THAT THEY WISH TO APPLY THEIR SKILLS IN ANOTHER ARENA.

YOU CANNOT READ THIS BOOK ONCE AND EXPECT TO APPLY THE PRINCIPLES WITHIN A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS. This is a book for long term change and not for the impatient, which is a quality I suspect some of the negative reviewers have demonstrated.

THIS BOOK HAS HELPED ME ENORMOUSLY THROUGH A DIFFICULT CAREER CHANGE. WITHOUT THIS BOOK I WOULD NOT HAVE COPED BECAUSE THE STRATEGIES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT TAKE TIME TO PUT INTO PRACTICE. IF YOU TAKE A LONG TERM VIEW, IMPLEMENT THE IDEAS AND REGULARLY REFER TO THE BOOK WHEN REVIEWING YOUR PROGRESS THEN THIS BOOK IS INDISPENSIBLE.

The author has pinpointed with great accuracy the level of discontent in some quarters of the profession. Hey with the blame culture, billable hours, risk management, and so on, it is important that alternative career options be identified.

These issues are not often discussed among professionals and can make for uncomfortable reading. This does not mean that they should be swept under the carpet and ignored.

The techniques start with self assessment and identification of the unbelievable skills that we have acquired as Lawyers. Nowhere does the author criticise the profession or fellow professionals.

Indeed she gives people positive strategies for reviewing the options available, making choices and taking action steps.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A CAREER CHANGE WITHIN OR OUT OF THE PROFESSION, THIS IS THE LEADING BOOK AND AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE.

It keeps getting better
I have copies of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and now 5th editions of this book and it keeps getting better. I provide career guidance for lawyers and sent in a review of the 4th because I and so many of my clients found it very helpful. I'm pleased to continue to recommend it and find that all of the strengths of previous editions remain, accompanied by some invaluable additions such as realistic advice about an on-line job search. This book can be read cover to cover but it's also accessible and effective in pieces and in any order.

This book is a tremendous resource for those who are seeking answers to their own career dilemmas but it is no substitute for the hard work and introspection that must accompany this process. If you're not ready to do the work you probably won't like the book. If you are a lawyer who really wants to explore change, it's the best publication available. ... Read more

Book Description

"This is a terrific book for anyone thinking about a career in architecture. It's very useful and valuable." -- Richard Meier, Richard Meier & Partners

"Required reading for would-be architects, it's also of value for those who teach them." -- Architectural Record

The first edition of Architect?, published in 1985, quickly became known as the best basic guide to the architectural profession. More than a decade later, it is a standard text for introductory courses on architecture and recommended reading on the application forms of many schools of architecture. This revised edition includes new information pertinent to current education and practice and addresses issues and concerns of great interest to students choosing among different types of programs, schools, firms, and architectural career paths.

Roger K. Lewis, a practicing architect and educator, takes a hard look at the education of the architect as he covers such topics as curriculum content, pedagogical theories and methods, program and faculty types, the admission process, internship, compensation, computer-aided design, and the culture of small and large firms. He tells how an architect works and gets work, and explains all aspects of architectural services, from initial client contact to construction oversight.

The author describes the benefits of becoming an architect, including the opportunity to express oneself creatively, to improve the environment, and to achieve notoriety. But he doesn't hesitate to show the other side--the lack of steady work and appropriate compensation, the intensity of competition, the restrictions imposed by clients, and the high degree of anxiety and disillusionment among young architects. Written in a clear, accessible style, the book is accompanied by the authors often-humorous illustrations and a valuable appendix. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

read it, read it again, then read it again
I read this book when I was a senior in high school applying to colleges. It was helpful. I applied to architecture school and got into one of the best programs in the country. I graduated and got my dream job. When I was visiting my parents over Christmas I found this book on my shelf and read it again. This time I had an entirely different view after having gone to school and having worked for three different firms. This time it really hit the gut. I gave my notice at the firm and I'm going to pursue a different career for the next year. I'm not sure if I'm burned out on architecture and need to leave so that I can miss it and come back, or if I really don't want to be an architect. I have to say, the pay is bad. Really bad. That's what got to me. Expect to be paid HALF of what you're worth. That applies to the lowest intern all the way to the top partner. You just don't get paid what you're worth. Then again, it is a really incredible profession. It's a tough choice. So my advice is to buy this book and read it every couple years to make sure you really want to do this. Life is too damn short to do something you don't love with all your heart.

candid indeed
I have now been in the work force for 6 years having mostly worked in, now defunct, internet shops. Now I have a sterile job as a financial analyst working for a HUGE company. After being afraid to pursue my dreams again (after an earlier attempt in my mid-20's withered away...), I am seriously looking to get my masters in architecture although I have a liberal arts degree. I first read Cesar Pelli's "Observations" which inspired me. So I was afraid to get into this book knowing that many reviews here and in newsgroups claim it's harsh or may change your mind about architecture. Actually, it has strengthened my desire to pursue architecture. I won't be making as much money as I do now in my somewhat laid-back job, but there are other considerations far more important to me than working just for money. People who do not wish to be challenged to their fullest or work harder than they ever have worked before should not pursue such careers medicine, law, computer science, etc - architecture is no exception. I already knew architects are rarely rich, work very hard, go through a very tough education, and work in a very competitive environment. None of that came as a shock from reading this. Basically, I can conclude from this book that the field should only be pursued if one LOVES architecture despite all the difficulties. One can dislike medicine or law and not be as discouraged since the money can provide some comfort, but teh same is not true of architecture. Even if this book does talk many out of pursuing architecture, it's better that it tells it like it is. I'd rather know the good and the bad before making a decision. By the way, this book is not nearly as negative as some here have pointed out.

Great book for anyone considering the profession.
I like how it gives good information and advice for someone like myself who was considering the profession. It gave me an excellent idea of what to expect of the profession. I just wish I had listened even more carefully to his advice when reading the book, especially the advice about taking some time off between highschool and going to school to be an architect. One thing future architects need to realize is that if you are an architecture major, you will have no free time whatsoever outside of your classroom studio. So if you have any wild and crazy side to you that just wants to party, I suggest getting that out of your system first and then go study architecture. If there is any traveling you really want to do, do it first. Cause architects work hard and on average dont even make that much money. Anyhow this book contains other useful information for those who are certain they want to be architects as well. It gives you an excellent idea of what to expect, the types of jobs you will be doing, the skills you will need, ect..

Useful, but negative.
'Architect?' is a useful, practical guide to the field of architecture and the process of becoming an architect. It thoroughtly notes all the obstacles and difficulties involved in becoming an architect. It's a brisk dose of reality, and at times seems mired in these difficulties. The author fails to note that many of obstacles are common to many other professions and graduate education programs (including things like difficult professors, low pay, and the need to juggle many tasks outside of your original love - design).

It's a useful read for anyone with romanticized notions of architecture. But just keep one thing in mind - all life choices are hard, and there are very few creative professions that don't require the ability to stand out and overcome obstacles.

A Candid Look into the Field!
I am an architect and a former student of Roger K. Lewis. This book was a suggested reading before my first year in studio. After reading this book and then taking the classes, I can truly say that it tells the truth about the field. If this book persuades you out of going into architecture, you would definitely not have been happy with it as a profession. If you are seriously thinking about architecture as a career choice, then buy this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book
This book does a great job of helping you answer the most difficult type of interview questions, behavioral interview questions. As a training manager, who trains managers and executives on behavioral questions, I feel I am qualified to say this book works.

This book is a wonderful resource especially if you know what type of job you want. If you do not know what type of job you want you may want to read, "How to find your dream job and make it a reality," which by the way is a job hunting classic. Of course, there other books, but this one is my favorite.

Read this book, and practice for your job interviews and you will be successful in your job hunt. ... Read more

Book Description

Just released! New 2005, 4th edition! Written by the pharmaceutical industry's most sought after author and consultant, Lisa Lane. 3 Days to a Pharmaceutical Sales Job Interview is touted by thousands as the "HOW TO" book of breaking into pharmaceutical sales.

Readers of this step by step program will learn how to land interviews, impress managers, stand out from the crowd of applicants and start a career in pharmaceutical sales. Excerpts of the material have been printed in over 30 newspapers including The Miami Herald, The Chicago Tribune, The LA Times, The Baltimore Sun, and Sales and Marketing Management Magazine.

With the Lisa Lane's insight, applicants learn how to shorten their job search, locate unadvertised job openings, get direct access to managers home addresses and email addresses, and learn how to effectively market themselves and their resumes for the attention that they deserve. (Book purchase also includes free one on one job coaching! Simply email the author with any questions about pharmaceutical sales or your job hunt. She will usually respond to any questions within 24 hours)

Expert advice covers all areas of the pharmaceutical sales job hunt starting with a copyrighted step by step guide to landing interviews. "3 Days" also addresses the basics of the job hunt including: frequently asked questions about the pharmaceutical sales job hunt, how to write a successful pharmaceutical sales resume, tips for writing e-resumes, resume samples, cover letter do's and don’ts, sample cover letters, phone interviews...what to expect, preparation for face to face interviews, questions to ask your interviewer, interview questions and answers, the brag book, career organizer worksheets, resume tracker, and resource pages. This comprehensive guidebook/workbook covers all the bases of the pharmaceutical sales job hunt. A must have for any job seeker in this competitive job market! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Lifesaver!
This book is a must-read for anyone currently interviewing (or trying to interview) for this field!It helps spice up your resume and helps you get through tough phone interviews (the worst!).This book really did help me get my first pharm sales job last year, and I'm loving every minute of it. I gave the book to my sister, and now she's getting calls left and right for interviews.It really helps, even though it was pricey, and I've more than made up for it with my bonuses!

Great, Great, did I mention GREAT???
As I continued to get frustrated for months trying to get a pharmaceutical sales job, I finally bought this book. Guess what! It really helped me get a job. This is not just a book full of information, it really shows applicants creative ways to differentiate themselves and land interviews. It gives detailed iformation on how to create a great resume, master the interviews, and locate unadvertised jobs. Next week, I am going for training and it is all thanks to this book. This is truly a wonderful resource....a great book!

Title was a LIE, few tidbits of information,
Hard to believe someone with much education and industry experience would state that your going to obtain an interview in three days.The market is tough, and the title here had nothing in the book to back it up.Try 3 weeks to 3 months, be honest.
I found a few other title's more real world and better written.
But for the money I would probably suggest buying two or three of the books on the topic (yes, even this one) and read them all.
Interviewing was tough, and I secured a job twice in this industry, the books do help.

A must for interviews!
While I don't want to be too overwhelmingly excited, I have to say "Wow"!I am so glad that I picked this book out of all the books on pharm sales and interviews.So far, it has been right on the money and really has answered all the questions that I have been asked in all my interviews.It gives good insight as to what type of person they are looking for and what answers or personality quirks that might throw up a red flag and disqualify a prospect.I am a firm beleiver in being yourself and this book helps interviewees how to let their inner sales person shine so that the interviewer can see thier full potential.

Well worth it....really works!
I have worked as a Chemist in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing for about four years and have always had an interest in Pharmaceutical Sales.Lack of sales experience had been a major setback in landing a Pharmaceutical Sales position until I purchased this book.After completing the three day course, and realizing there were ways to get around lack of sales experience, I landed five interviews with top Pharmaceutical Companies such as Aventis, Novartis, First Horizon, GSK and Berlex labs.

Interviews went well and I recently accepted a position as a Pharmaceutical Sales Consultant with Berlex Labs.I wanted to encourage anyone and everyone with a drive to purchase this book.Well worth the money and it really works!
Best regards,
Brent ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you're the newest recruit or the chief fire administrator, knowledge of the methods and processes used to fight fires is a necessary requirement of all those in the fire service. This book is your complete source for learning firefighting strategies and tactics, from standard company responsibilities and assignments to specialized situational strategies and tactics. Written by a team of experienced fire service personnel representing a variety of geographic and professional viewpoints, you'll get first-hand knowledge of strategies and tactics, whether it's fighting high-rise or wildland fires, from people who have been there. In a logical, easy-to-follow manner, you'll progress from basic concepts to the application of tactics and situational strategies for particular occupancies or types of fires, presented in a fashion that can be universally applied in all areas of the country, rural to urban. So whether